Best Date Squares Recipe – Sweet, Nutty, and Delicious
Date squares are a delightful treat that pairs the natural sweetness of dates with a crumbly, buttery oat base. Whether you’re serving them for dessert or enjoying them as a snack, these easy-to-make bars are sure to become a household favorite. With simple ingredients like Medjool dates, oats, and brown sugar, this classic recipe is as comforting as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the details of how to create these irresistible squares.
Table of Contents
The Best Date Squares Recipe
Notes on Ingredients
To make these date squares, it’s essential to use quality ingredients.
- Medjool Dates: The star of the recipe, providing sweetness and texture. Be sure to chop and pit them before use.
- Hot Black Coffee: Adds depth of flavor to the date filling, making it richer and more complex.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the dates.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Adds a subtle crunch to the base, enhancing texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Key for that crumbly oat topping. Make sure it’s cool but slightly softened for easy mixing.
How to Make Date Squares
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Prepare the Filling: In a pot, combine the chopped dates, hot coffee, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a boil, then stir in the baking soda. Continue stirring for about 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and the dates are soft. Set the filling aside to cool.
- Prepare the Base: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the oats, flour, pumpkin seeds, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Add the cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your hands or a fork until the mixture is crumbly in texture.
- Assemble the Squares: Press about 3 1/4 cups of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even base. Spread the date filling evenly over the base. Top with the remaining oat mixture and press down gently.
- Bake: Bake the date squares for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting them into servings. Enjoy!
How to Serve Date Squares
Date squares are best served as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them as a light dessert after meals or pack them for picnics and road trips. Their crumbly texture and sweet filling make them a great pairing with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
How to Store Date Squares
Once cooled, store your date squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 359.95 kcal | 18% |
| Total Fat | 13.39 g | 19% |
| Carbs | 59.08 g | 23% |
| Sugars | 37.61 g | 42% |
| Protein | 4.5 g | 9% |
| Sodium | 80.02 mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3.84 g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 7.29 g | 36% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3.89 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.31 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 29.38 mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 47.29 mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 54.51 mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 322.92 mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1.33 mg | 9% |
| Zinc | 0.91 mg | 9% |
| Phosphorus | 121.63 mg | 17% |
| Vitamin A | 116.31 mcg | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 0.8 mg | 1% |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.1 mg | 9% |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.05 mg | 4% |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.96 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.11 mg | 8% |
| Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) | 14.52 mcg | 7% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.02 mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.44 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 2.27 mcg | 3% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Date Squares
Can I substitute Medjool dates with other types of dates?
Yes, but Medjool dates offer the best texture and sweetness. If you use other dates, make sure they are moist and sticky.
Can I use instant oats instead of large flake oats?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to use large flake oats. Instant oats might make the base too soft.
What can I substitute for pumpkin seeds?
You can replace pumpkin seeds with chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
The Best Date Squares Recipe
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups Medjool dates chopped and pitted
- 1 cup hot black coffee
- 1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Base:
- 1 1/2 cups large flake oats
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter cubed and slightly soft but still cool
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Line an 8 x 8 square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the filling first by combining the coffee, dates, sugar and lemon juice in a pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add the baking soda and stir mixture continuously for approx. 4 minutes, until filling is thick and dates are soft.
- Set aside to cool while you prepare the base.
- Combine the first 6 ingredients of the base recipe in a medium-sized bowl and mix to combine.
- Add the butter and use your hands or a fork to coat the flour mixture with the butter until crumbly in texture.
- Press 3 1/4 cups of oat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread on the layer of date filling Top with remaining oat mixture and press down slightly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden. Cool completely before cutting and serving.
